Brian Smyth, 46, a proud member of the Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan, is a dedicated father of two who has made incredible strides in rebuilding his career and life with the
help of GREAT’s programs and services.
Finding His Path with GREAT
Brian first heard about GREAT’s services through the radio and local newspapers. At that time, life was hectic — he had his driver’s license but no vehicle, no income, and no job prospects. He didn’t even have a current resume and wasn’t sure where to begin his job search.
That all changed when he met Marjorie, an Employment and Training Coach (ETC) at GREAT, who helped him identify his skills, update his resume, and connect him with training and employment opportunities. Through GREAT, Brian received:
Overcoming Barriers
When Brian first came to GREAT, he was unsure of his direction and lacked the tools to begin a new chapter. With guidance and encouragement, he successfully completed multiple safety certifications through OSTTC, including Working at Heights, WHMIS, Elevated Work Platforms, Forklift Certification, and Worker’s Health & Safety Training. These credentials became the foundation that helped him secure employment with Six Nations Housing.
Career Success and Growth
Today, Brian is a Maintenance Worker with Six Nations Housing, starting initially on a contract through GREAT and now proudly employed full-time and permanently under the Six Nations Council. His years of experience in trades and construction, paired with his newly acquired safety certifications, made him a valuable addition to the maintenance team. Brian continues to learn new skills in plumbing, drywalling, and general repair while mentoring younger workers and sharing his knowledge in construction and safety.
“I’m helping out in the community, working in a trade I have experience in and enjoy,” Brian said. “It’s rewarding to see how far I’ve come and to be able to pass along what I’ve learned.”
One of Brian’s greatest joys is being able to give back to his community. “I really enjoy connecting with the elders and being able to help them out,” he said. “It’s a good feeling knowing I can make a difference, especially when they have challenges and no one else to help them.”
Looking ahead to the next five years, Brian hopes to continue advancing within Six Nations Housing, building his experience, references, and pension.
Words of Advice
“I am truly grateful for the assistance provided by GREAT to help me get back on my feet and move ahead in life,” Brian shared. “I’d advise others to come into GREAT and see what they have to offer. They’re there to help you move forward in your career and life.”
Supervisor’s Statement – Andrew Powless, Six Nations Housing
“Brian has brought exceptional experience to my team; so exceptional, he was offered a position with Six Nations Housing Maintenance Division. Brian is excelling in almost all areas of maintenance—he has received training on numerous tasks and was able to apply these acquired skills quickly.”
Employment and Training Coach’s Statement – Marjorie, GREAT
“When Brian first came into GREAT, he really had no idea where to start with his job search. We worked on his resume, and he attained numerous health and safety certifications from OSTTC to build his credentials for a skilled laborer role. With his years of experience in construction, Six Nations Housing was glad to take him on board. He’s proven himself to be a dependable, skilled, and valuable member of their staff and is now hired as a permanent employee with benefits. I wish Brian all the best in his future endeavours—congrats on a job well done!”
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